Self adjustable ski binding

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a self-adjustable ski binding, the binding having a relatively small mounting area on the ski in order to provide maximum flexibility to the ski and decrease the weight sharing capacity of the ski tip and tail.

Unite States atent 1191 Earl [ 1 Aug. 27, 1974 1 SELF ADJUSTABLE SKI BINDING [76] Inventor: Arthur W. Earl, 451 Essex Ave.,

Bloomfield, NJ. 07003 [22] Filed: July 17, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 272,115

[52] 11.8. C1 280/1135 D [51] Int. Cl. A636 9/08 [58] Field of Search 280/1135 D, 11.31, 11.32,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 789,165 5/1905 Lowentraut 280/1132 2,170,162 8/1939 Segal 280/1126 2,566,656 9/1951 David 280/1131 X 2,658,767 ll/1953 Jansen 280/1135 D 2,769,250 11/1956 Rinkinen 280/1126 X 3,081,106 3/1963 Budd 280/1126 3,114,562 12/1963 Goodman 280/1135 D X 3,158,385 11/1964 Hall 280/1135 A 3,260,532 7/1966 Heuvel 280/1 1.13 F

Primary Examiner-Kenneth H. Betts Assistant ExaminerDavid M. Mitchell Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jay M. Cantor [5 7] ABSTRACT The disclosure relates to a self-adjustable ski binding, the binding having a relatively small mounting area on the ski in order to provide maximum flexibility to the ski and decrease the weight sharing capacity of the ski tip and tail.

9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEU M182! 1974 SIEEIZN 4 SELF ADJUSTABLE SKI BINDING This invention relates generally to skis and is particularly related to ski binding improvements which permit the ski binding to be mounted on any size ski and the skier at all times to be able to adjust the ski binding to different size ski boots.

In conventional skis, the length of the ski boot and the toe and heel bindings together extend from A to one-half the length of the ski. Therefore, the rigidity of the conventional ski binding and ski boot causes the ski to loose much of its flexibility. Also, the decrease in the flexibility of a ski will decrease the weight-sharing capacity of the tip and tail of the ski. Thus, a practical limitation is placed on a ski because of the conventional type ski binding.

In accordance with the present invention there is utilized only a small ski binding mount area. Thus, the ski is permitted to remain flexible throughout its entire length. Therefore, the full length flexibility of the ski permits the ski to conform to the varying snow contours. This creates a more balanced weight distribution and provides for efficient ski edge bite. Also, the small ski binding mount area permits the self-adjustable ski binding, which is a single unit to be mounted with only four screws. Thus, the two piece conventional style mounting of a separate ski binding for the toe and one for the heel is eliminated.

Conventional type ski bindings must be mounted by a ski shop technician and adjusted to a particular size ski boot. Once the size adjustment has been made no other ski boot will fit the ski binding, unless the ski binding is adjusted by a ski shop technician to a different size ski boot. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a single unit ski binding which is adjustable to a different size ski boot. The size adjustment is easily accomplished by any skier, even while at the skiing site. The adjustment is accomplished simply by turning a large adjustment knob at the front end of the self-adjustable ski binding. Counter clockwise turns shortens the ski binding for small ski boots, and clockwise turns lengthens the ski binding for large ski boots.

Conventional two piece ski bindings clamp the boot to the ski by a preadjusted clamping pressure, determined by the ski shop technician. Once the ski boot clamping pressure is set, it seldom can be changed by the skier. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a self-adjustable ski binding whereby the skier can also adjust the ski boot clamping pressure. The same adjustment knob will increase the toe clamp and heel clamp pressure by turning the knob counter clockwise. Or, the tow clamp and heel clamp pressure can be decreased by turning the large adjustment knob clockwise.

Conventional two-piece ski bindings have a builtin safety release that must be adjusted by the ski shop technician. The ski boot safety release, which is set by the technician in the ski shop, often has a different release pressure when on the ski slope. Therefore, the ski boot safety release in many instances does not function adequately. Thus, the safety release is not actually an accurate safety release. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a self-adjustable ski binding safety release that can be adjusted by the skier while on the ski slope. Also, the safety release is very accurate because the body weight, ski boot sole friction, and

clamping pressure do not directly affect the safety release operation. The body weight and ski boot sole friction is dispersed across the top of the fixed ski binding platform. Therefore, no ski boot pressure is created on the adjustable ski binding platform because the adjustable ski binding platform is slightly lower than the fixed ski binding platform. This permits the adjustable ski binding platfonn to slide freely out of the fixed ski binding platform. Thus, the safety release operates only on pre-set safety release spring tension. The safety release pressure is set by the same large adjustment knob. The pressure may be set from light for the beginning skier to heavy for the advanced skier. Or, the expert skier may eliminate the safety release feature by full tightening of the adjustment knob.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a ski binding using a relatively small ski mounting area.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a single unit ski binding which is adjustable to different sizes of ski boot.

It is a yet further objectof this invention to provide a self-adjustable ski binding for adjusting clamping pressure.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a safety release fora ski boot which is adjustable at any time.

It is a yet further object of this invention to provide a ski binding which is raised above the platform of the ski.

The above objects and still further objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after consideration of the following preferred embodiment thereof, which is provided by way of example and not by way of limitation, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a ski using the self-adjustable ski binding in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of the ski binding adjustment features in accordance with the present inventlon;

FIG. 3 is a view of the mounting details of the adjustment knob of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sheet metal pattern for the fixed platform of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sheet metal pattern for the platform bottom insert of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sheet metal pattern for the adjustableplatform of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a single unit self-adjustable ski binding 40 with a small six inch base 1, mount on the ski foot pad mount area 8 of ski 41 with only four screws. Therefore, the entire length of the ski remains flexible.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the single unit selfadjustable ski binding is comprised of a fixed ski binding platform 12 and an adjustable ski binding platform 10. The adjustment knob 3 on the front of the selfadjustable ski binding, which extends or closes the adjustable ski binding platform 10, is easily reached.

Referring now to FIG. 3, which is a top view of the single unit self-adjustable ski binding, there is shown the large adjustment knob 3 with the lines 0-25 pounds scribed on the adjustment knob shaft 14. As the large adjustment knob 3 is turned counter clockwise to increase the clamping and safety release pressures the adjustment knob shaft 14 slides into the raised ski binding platform 9. The desired pounds of clamping and safety release pressure are determined by observing the number as it aligns with the raised ski binding platform front edge 37.

The four screw drive holes 16 permit easy driving of the four mounting screws. The four screw heads will seat against the screw holes 2 and fasten the single unit self-adjustable ski binding to the thick foot pad mount area 8 of the ski.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown the adjustable ski binding platform 10 in a partially open position.

The adjustment knob shaft 14, which rides in the adjustable knob hole 17 (shown in FIG. 7) formed in the front end piece 36 of the fixed ski binding platform bottom insert, is connected to the threaded shaft 11. A compression spring 13 is placed between the shoulder 43 of the adjustment knob shaft 14 and the flange 18 formed in the fixed ski binding platform bottom insert (shown in FIG. 7). The smooth section of the threaded shaft 19 rides through the hole 20 (FIG. 7) in the flange. A shoulder 42 on the threaded shaft 11 presses against the flange 18 formed in the fixed ski binding platform bottom insert. The threaded shaft 11 is screwed through the threaded hole 21 (FIG. 8) in the flange 22 formed in the adjustable ski binding platform.

When the ski boot is in position between the toe clamp 4 and heel clamp 5, the adjustable ski binding platform 10 cannot slide into the fixed ski binding platform 12. Therefore, as the adjustment knob 3 is turned counter clockwise to increase the clamping and safety release pressure, the threaded shaft 11 screws through the threaded hole 21 in flange 22. This causes increased pressure on the compression spring 13 as it is squeezed between flange 18 and the shoulder 43 of the adjustment knob shaft 14. The desired pounds of clamping and safety release pressure are determined by observing the pounds of pressure 0-25, on the adjustment knob shaft 14, as the number aligns with the raised ski binding platform front edge 37.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown the fixed ski binding platform bottom insert 23 in position in the fixed ski binding platform 12. The fixed ski binding platform bottom insert 23 serves as the weight support member on which the adjustable ski binding platform 10 rides.

The screw drive holes 16, for driving the four mounting screws, are located vertically above the mounting screw holes 2. The four screws hold the self-adjustable ski binding securely to the ski foot pad mount area 8.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the sheet metal pattern for the fixed ski binding platform with the toe clamp 4 and the fold line 24 where the toe clamp is bent to the vertical position.

The screw drive holes 16, when the sheet metal pattern is bent to the proper shape on fold lines 25 and 26, are aligned vertically above the mounting screw holes The ski cable lock holes 15, when the sheet metal pattern is bent to the proper shape on fold lines 25 and 26, are aligned horizontally across from each other.

The safety strap slot 35, when the sheet metal pattern is bent to the proper shape on fold lines 25 and 26, permits the safety strap to be permanently attached to the self-adjustable ski binding.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the sheet metal pattern for the fixed ski binding platform bottom insert 23 with the adjustable knob shaft hole 17 and the fold line 27 where the front end piece 36 is bent to a vertical position.

The flange 18, for the smooth section of the threaded shaft 19 to ride through hole 20, is bent to a vertical position at flange fold line 28. p

The screw drive holes 16, when the sheet metal pattern is bent to the proper shape on fold lines 29, are aligned vertically above the mounting screw holes 2. The side rails 38, when bent to their proper shape on fold lines 29, also serve as weight support members 38 on which the adjustable ski binding platform 10 rides.

The ski cable lock holes 15, when the side pieces are bent to their proper shape on fold lines 29, match the location of the ski cable lock holes in the sheet metal pattern for the fixed ski binding platform. Therefore, all of the ski cable lock holes 15 are aligned horizontally across from each other when the self-adjustable ski binding is assembled.

The safety strap slot 35, when the sheet metal pattern is bent to the proper shape on fold line 29, matches the location of the safety strap slot 35 in the sheet metal pattern for the fixed ski binding platform.

Referring now to FIG..-8, there is shown the sheet metal pattern for the adjustable ski binding platform with the heel clamp 5 and the fold line 39 where the heel clamp is bent to the vertical position.

The flange 22 with the threaded hole 21, through which the threaded shaft 11 screws, is bent to a vertical position at flange fold line 30.

The side rails 31 are bent vertically down along fold lines 32. The slide runners 33 are bent inward, at right angles to the side .rails 31, along fold lines 34. The shape of the adjustable ski binding platform permits it to easily slide in or out of the assembled fixed ski binding platform.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment thereof, many variations and modifications will immediately become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:

1. A self-adjustable ski binding for use with a ski which comprises a fixed first platform means affixable to said ski, a second platform means mounted on the ski and movable relative to said fixed platform means longitudinally of said ski, said fixed platform means including a toe clamp, said second platform means including a fixed heel clamp, said second platform means being of adjustable length, and adjusting means for varying the length of said adjustable platform means for positioning said toe and heel clamps relative to each other and means for biasing the second platform means to move in a direction tending to decrease the distance between the clamps, said fixed platform means including a base mount for affixing said binding to said ski and a foot support elevated above the top surface of said mount.

2. A self adjustable ski binding for use with a ski which comprises a fixed platform means affixable to said ski, an adjustable platform movable within said fixed platform means longitudinally of said ski, said fixed platform means including one of a toe and heel clamp, said adjustable platform including the other of a toe and heel clamp and adjusting means for positioning said toe clamp relative to said heel clamp, said adjusting means including rotatable means secured in said fixed platform means and threaded in said adjustable platform.

3. A binding as set forth in claim 2 wherein said rotatable means includes a shoulder and said fixed platform means includes a flange, said adjusting means further including a compression spring abutting said flange and seated against said shoulder, said spring being positioned around said rotatable means.

4. A self-adjustable ski binding comprising, a first rigid platform means having means for securing it to a ski and provided with a first boot engaging clamp,

a second rigid platform means mounted for slidable movements longitudinally of the ski and having a second boot engaging clamp which is longitudinally adjustable therealong,

means for biasing the second platform means toward the first platform means for relatively moving the clamps toward each other,

and means supported by the first platform means for independently moving the second clamp along the second platform means to adjust the distance between the first and second clamps, and said adjusting means includes rotatable means supported in said fixed platform means and threaded in said adjustable platform.

5. A binding as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rotatable means includes a shoulder and said fixed platform means includes a flange, said adjusting means further including a compression spring abutting said flange and seated against said shoulder, said spring being positioned around said rotatable means.

6. A self-adjustable ski binding comprising, a first rigid platform means for securing it to a ski and provided with a first boot engaging clamp,

a second rigid platform means mounted for slidable movements longitudinally of the ski and having a second boot engaging which is longitudinally movable therealong,

means for biasing the second platform means toward the first platform means for relatively moving the clamps toward each other,

and means for independently moving the second clamp along the second platform means to adjust the distance between the first and second clamps wherein the second platform means includes a first rotatable section, a second linearly movable section on which the clamp is supported, said sections having cooperating means for causing linear movements of the second section upon rotation of the first section.

7. A self-adjustable ski binding according to claim 6 wherein the first platform means is tubular,

at least a portion of the second platform means being slidable within the second platform means.

8. A self-adjustable ski binding according to claim 7 wherein the biasing means is a spring located within the tubular member.

9. A self-adjustable ski according to claim 6 wherein the first section of the second platform means is pro vided with a manually engageable member extending outwardly of the first platform means for manually rotating the first section to adjust the distance between the clamps, said first section having a stop abutting a stop on the first platform means for limiting slidable movements between the first and second platform means by the biasing means. 

1. A self-adjustable ski binding for use with a ski which comprises a fixed first platform means affixable to said ski, a second platform means mounted on the ski and movable relative to said fixed platform means longitudinally of said ski, said fixed platform means including a toe clamp, said second platform means including a fixed heel clamp, said second platform means being of adjustable length, and adjusting means for varying the length of said adjustable platform means for positioning said toe and heel clamps relative to each other and means for biasing the second platform means to move in a direction tending to decrease the distance between the clamps, said fixed platform means including a base mount for affixing said binding to said ski and a foot support elevated above the top surface of said mount.
 2. A self adjustable ski binding for use with a ski which comprises a fixed platform means affixable to said ski, an adjustable platform movable within said fixed platform means longitudinally of said ski, said fixed platform means including one of a toe and heel clamp, said adjustable platform including the other of a toe and heel clamp and adjusting means for positioning said toe clamp relative to said heel clamp, said adjusting means including rotatable means secured in said fixed platform means and threaded in said adjustable platform.
 3. A binding as set forth in claim 2 wherein said rotatable means includes a shoulder and said fixed platform means includes a flange, said adjusting means further including a compression spring abutting said flange and seated against said shoulder, said spring being positioned around said rotatable means.
 4. A self-adjustable ski binding comprising, a first rigid platform means having means for securing it to a ski and provided with a first boot engaging clamp, a second rigid platform means mounted for slidable movements longitudinally of the ski and having a second boot engaging clamp which is longitudinally adjustable therealong, means for biasing the second platform means toward the first platform means for relatively moving the clamps toward each other, and means supported by the first platform means for independently moving the second clamp along the second platform means to adjust the distance between the first and second clamps, and said adjusting means includes rotatable means supported in said fixed platform means and threaded in said adjustable platform.
 5. A binding as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rotatable means includes a shoulder and said fixed platform means includes a flange, said adjusting means further including a Compression spring abutting said flange and seated against said shoulder, said spring being positioned around said rotatable means.
 6. A self-adjustable ski binding comprising, a first rigid platform means for securing it to a ski and provided with a first boot engaging clamp, a second rigid platform means mounted for slidable movements longitudinally of the ski and having a second boot engaging which is longitudinally movable therealong, means for biasing the second platform means toward the first platform means for relatively moving the clamps toward each other, and means for independently moving the second clamp along the second platform means to adjust the distance between the first and second clamps wherein the second platform means includes a first rotatable section, a second linearly movable section on which the clamp is supported, said sections having cooperating means for causing linear movements of the second section upon rotation of the first section.
 7. A self-adjustable ski binding according to claim 6 wherein the first platform means is tubular, at least a portion of the second platform means being slidable within the second platform means.
 8. A self-adjustable ski binding according to claim 7 wherein the biasing means is a spring located within the tubular member.
 9. A self-adjustable ski according to claim 6 wherein the first section of the second platform means is provided with a manually engageable member extending outwardly of the first platform means for manually rotating the first section to adjust the distance between the clamps, said first section having a stop abutting a stop on the first platform means for limiting slidable movements between the first and second platform means by the biasing means. 